Why do boys come into the world shouting their own names? Pounding their own chests? Peeing on their mothers? Perhaps we all shake our fists at the powers that be until we learn better, but I don’t recall our daughters displaying such defiance. I am constantly surprised when people say children are so innocent. The only reason this holds water is because dinky delinquents can’t drive a Camaro or light a cigarette for themselves yet. These little sinners break God’s laws with the best of them. Even G2, our sweetest son, has his sin-drenched days.
This past Sunday on our way to my parents’ place for dinner, G2 showed just how naughty he can be. Seven-year-old brother JoJo joined in and by the time we reached the ranch, Scott announced, “You two troublemakers in the backseat are running up the hill.”
This is when God showed me something beautiful. As the two boys slunk out of the Suburban and started up the long, country drive, half a dozen wild horses (they aren’t really wild, these knucklehead horses just think they are wild) charged across the pasture at the boys.
Scott immediately jumped out to protect his sons. “You drive, I’m going with the boys,” he said, motioning for me to slide into the driver’s seat. My husband then chased the rowdy horses away and patiently shared in the boys’ punishment, jogging up the hill with them.
Our two older sons demanded to get out of the car and jog too, enduring their brothers’ discipline because they love their dad and brothers and wanted to help. For me this was an aha moment.
Rolling along in the car behind the chain gang, Cruz kicking his feet in his car seat, wanting to run, too, I realized this is exactly what God does for us and what we should do for our siblings-in-Christ who fall into trouble. When God disciplines us, He does not leave our side. He stays right with us, protecting and instructing and encouraging us as we repent and grow more like his Son Jesus. And in his goodness, God often sends other Christians to help us in this painful process. These encouragers come alongside us, building us up as they walk us through God’s training. I once heard someone say, “An encourager pours courage into us.”